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The Risks of High Radon Levels

Radon levels in Lexington, Kentucky could be described as somewhat higher than the nationally accepted threshold for concern. Radon, an invisible, toxic and radioactive heavy gas, can be formed when uranium and other elements decay naturally. When it enters your home and accumulates, radon gas can potentially contribute to all sorts of health issues.

Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter of air, or pCi/L. The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, suggests implementing proactive solutions to lower your radon levels if testing determines that your home contains levels at or above 4.0 pCi/L. Below these radon levels, the EPA still recommends taking preventative action as a precaution since problems may still occur later on. Statistics from the EPA’s study of the issue may put some perspective on the problems of unusually high radon levels. At 4.0 pC/L of radon gas, out of one thousand people who smoked, sixty two may be diagnosed with lung cancer. At the same level, for smokers, the risk of developing lung cancer is five times the risk of dying due to a vehicle accident. For those who have never smoked in their life, out of one thousand people, seven could develop lung cancer at 4.0 pC/L of radon; this is similar to the chances of dying in a vehicle accident.

Radon Levels in Lexington, Kentucky

Radon levels in Lexington, Kentucky are considered to be elevated compared to the rest of the United States and should be of general concern for the public’s health for several reasons. Lexington, Kentucky is in Fayette County; studies in this county have found more than half of the homes evaluated contain significant radon levels. In fact, a recent study found that the majority of homes in and around Lexington, Kentucky show radon level test results double that of the national recommended minimum. This problem is compounded by the fact that the state of Kentucky has the highest rates of lung cancer incidences and deaths due to smoking in the nation. Elevated radon levels combined with the unhealthy habit of inhaling cigarette smoke is a particularly serious cause for concern.

Dealing with High Radon Levels

Testing for radon levels is the first step in protecting yourself from radon gas. The EPA recommends a second test if you find radon levels above the recommended threshold. Testing for high radon levels in Lexington, Kentucky can be done yourself with a home test kit; for increased accuracy and speed, however, you should have SWAT Environmental perform a specialized professional test. If necessary, their experts can also install systems to lower your radon levels.

Your neighbor’s home may test low, but that does not necessarily mean that your home contains low radon levels as well; each home is different. Remember to have your water tested as well as your air, as both media can contain radon. These precautions can potentially protect you and your family from serious health problems down the road.